The 12th Duke of Marlborough, Charles James Spencer-Churchill, has formally denied allegations that he strangled his estranged wife on three separate occasions at their home. The 70-year-old aristocrat appeared before High Wycombe Magistrates' Court to indicate not guilty pleas to all charges.
Details of the Alleged Assaults
The court heard detailed accounts of the three alleged incidents spanning just over a year. The first accusation dates to November 13, 2022. Prosecutors allege the Duke struck Edla Marlborough several times before placing his hands around her neck.
The second alleged attack occurred on April 23, 2023. The court was told that Ms Marlborough ran into a laundry room before the defendant allegedly grabbed her, hit her with a closed fist, and strangled her.
The final allegation is from January 29, 2024. It is claimed the duke pushed Ms Marlborough onto a bed and assaulted her after putting his hands tightly around her neck.
Court Appearance and Bail Conditions
Spencer-Churchill appeared in the dock wearing a navy suit, white shirt, and blue tie. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and to indicate his not guilty pleas to all counts. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring granted the Duke conditional bail.
He is scheduled to appear at Oxford Crown Court on February 5, where he will be asked to formally enter his pleas to the charges. The case will then proceed through the higher court system.
Background of the Duke and Duchess
Charles Spencer-Churchill, known to his family as Jamie, is the 12th Duke of Marlborough and a member of one of Britain's most prominent aristocratic families. He inherited the title from his father, John Spencer-Churchill, who died in 2014 at age 88.
He married artist Edla Griffiths in 2002 after dating for approximately seven years. The couple have two children: Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill, born in 2007, and Lord Caspar Spencer-Churchill, born in 2008. Edla, 57, became the Duchess of Marlborough when her husband inherited the dukedom in 2014.
It is believed the couple separated last year. The Duke is also publicly known to have had a long-standing battle with drug addiction in the past. He gave his address as the sprawling Blenheim Palace estate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancestral home of the Churchill family.
